PROCESS FOR PRODUCTION OF AN OXETANE

摘要

A process for production of an oxetane, which process comprises subjecting an alcohol having two or more hydroxyl groups to reaction with a carbamide at a molar ratio employing 1-2 moles of said carbamide on 1-2 moles of said alcohol. The alcohols preferably have at least one 1,3-diol grouping. The reaction is carried out in the presence of at least one catalyst promoting and/or initiating transcarbonylation and/or pyrolysis. A reaction mixture comprising an oxetane and optionally an orthocarbonate of said alcohol is yielded. The oxetane is suitably recovered from said reaction mixture by for instance distillation.